Stanford University vs. University of California, Berkeley
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | Stanford University | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Stanford, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Selectivity rank | #5 | #18 |
| Median LSAT | 173 | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.96 | 3.92 |
| Est. annual tuition | $77,454 | $76,149 nonresident / $62,532 in-state |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $232,362 | $228,447 |
Pros and cons, from the data
Stanford University
Pros
- More selective (rank #5), which can mean stronger outcomes for graduates
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than University of California, Berkeley
- Higher median LSAT (173 vs. 170) — harder to clear
- Higher median GPA (3.96 vs. 3.92)
University of California, Berkeley
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than Stanford University
- Lower median LSAT (170 vs. 173) — easier to be at or above
- Lower median GPA (3.92 vs. 3.96)
Cons
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 173, Stanford University is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 170 for University of California, Berkeley. Then weigh the cost gap: about $3,915 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
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Last updated October 12, 2026